A grade report is a formal document that summarizes a student's academic performance over a specific period. It includes subjects, grades, attendance, and teacher comments.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is a grade report?
A grade report is a formal document that shows how a student is doing in their homeschooling. It covers a specific time frame — like a quarter, semester, or year. You'll find subjects studied, grades, attendance records, teacher comments, and any awards. Not every state requires these reports, but having them is a good idea. They track your child’s education and help with college transcripts, especially for high schoolers. As the parent or guardian, you're in charge of creating and keeping these records.
What to include
Your grade report should have some key details:
- Header: Student's name, school year, grade level, and homeschool name.
- Academic Details: Subjects, grades using your scale, and high school credits.
- Supporting Docs: Attendance records, teacher comments, and notes on strengths and areas for growth.
Add a note explaining your grading scale so others understand it. For high school students, make sure grade reports meet transcript requirements for colleges. Some families also include a student photo for future reference.
State requirements
Requirements can differ a lot by state. For example:
- New York: Needs quarterly progress reports.
- Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Missouri: Regular reports are required.
- Texas, Alaska, Idaho: Minimal or no reporting needed.
Even in states with fewer rules, keeping grade reports is smart. It protects you if regulations change. Check out HSLDA's state laws map for specific details. Generally, keep records for at least 2-5 years, especially if your child may apply to college.
The bottom line
Grade reports are important, even if they're not required by law. They help you track how well the curriculum works, serve as documentation for school transfers or sports eligibility, and create a lasting record for your child. Once your child hits high school, tracking grades becomes crucial for transcripts. Keep it simple: pick a grading system, use the same template all year, and update it regularly. Professional-looking reports matter, even if they aren’t legally required.
